Mexico man sentenced to 15 years for rape, assault

A Mexico man was sentenced Monday to 15 years in prison for rape and domestic assault charges he was convicted of in April.

30-year-old Richard Chambers is a prior and persistent felony offender, and has a history of felony and misdemeanor domestic abuse.

Chambers received 15 years on the rape charge, and 1 year on the assault charge to run concurrently.

Assistant Prosecutor Ashley Turner said she hopes this sentence can help the survivor move on.

“This young woman can grow stronger, more confident, and discover who she is beyond this abuse knowing she was heard and he was held accountable for what he did,” Turner said.

The victim did take the stand during the trial.

“Richard Chambers took no responsibility for the prolonged abuse, pain and suffering he caused to this survivor…She had the courage to rise above her abuser’s power and control to tell this jury and our community about what happened to her,” Turner said.

Prosecutor Jacob Shellabarger said he hoped this case will help put an end to victim-blaming and instead put the focus on the perpetrator.

“A fifteen year sentence shows that violent crimes will carry consequences,” Shellabarger said.

Chambers has been convicted of damage to the jail, property damage, abuse, domestic assault, and endangering a correctional officer previously.